Ellie’s POV
I knelt down so I was level with them, my knees pressing into the dirt, but I didn’t care. I wanted them to see me not as a Luna standing above them, but as someone who understood. My smile trembled, but I held it.
“This place is for you,” I began softly. My voice shook, but the words carried. “A place where no one will ever call you worthless. Where you’ll be loved, taught, and protected. You are the future of this pack. Never forget that.”
The children blinked, some exchanging nervous glances. Silence hung heavy until, from the front row, a small boy whispered, his voice so soft I almost missed it.
“Really?”
My throat tightened painfully. I looked at him, at the doubt in his wide eyes, and nodded with all the strength I had. “Yes. Really.”
Beside me, Ethan’s voice rose,
